The park contains the highest concentration of tropical plant species in any state park in Florida.
The endangered Schaus' swallowtail butterfly relies on the torchwood and wild lime trees found within these specific hammock boundaries.
The park was established to prevent residential development from destroying the fragile limestone-based hammock ecosystem.
American crocodiles are frequently sighted in the nearby North Sound Creek canal.
The park is home to the Key Largo woodrat, an endangered rodent found nowhere else in the world.
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park protects one of the largest tracts of West Indian tropical hardwood hammock in the United States. The preserve encompasses 2,415 acres and serves as a critical habitat for 84 protected species of plants and animals. Visitors can access approximately six miles of paved and unpaved trails that wind through dense tropical forests. The park is home to the American crocodile, which is often spotted in the nearby canal systems. It also provides essential sanctuary for the rare Schaus' swallowtail butterfly. The landscape transitions between buttonwood wetlands and high-canopy hardwood forests. Most trails are flat, accessible, and provide educational signage regarding the unique ecosystem. This site functions as an important ecological corridor for local wildlife migration.
The main trail junction where the thick, vine-covered tropical canopy creates a natural archway.
Bring high-strength insect repellent, as mosquitoes are prevalent year-round due to the dense canopy.
Wear closed-toe shoes to protect against limestone rocks and occasional mud on unpaved sections.
Carry at least one liter of water per person, as there are no potable water stations available within the trail system.
Do not attempt to hike during mid-day in the summer months, as the dense forest humidity can be extreme and hazardous.
Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Stay on designated trails to protect the fragile limestone and rare plant species; do not feed or approach wildlife, especially American crocodiles.
